paper scrap recycling

Today’s projects are ones that use up old bits of paper scraps I can’t bear to throw away. I save these pieces of paper (gift wrap, envelope liners, art papers, origami papers, etc.) and then wonder what can I do with them? I have covered pencils and jar lids to brighten them up a bit here. The jars are ones I have salvaged from the recycling bin and the pencils are just plain ones you can buy at a dollar store. The pencils would make a lovely gift especially if given in a matching box or pencil bag. The jars are great for organizing or gift packaging.

CLICK HERE for the full instructions for both the jar lids and covered pencils projects after the jump!

1. Wash jars thoroughly. Remove any labels with Goo Gone or similar product. To remove smells, soak in a bleach solution. Let dry.

2. Lay jar lid face down on the back of decorative paper and trace lightly with a pencil. Sketch a circle that is bigger (the height of the lid plus 1/4″) around the circle. You can use a round object to trace if you can find a similar one in size. Cut slits about 1/4″ apart that go right up the first pencil tracing. Coat inside circle with Mod Podge and adhere to lid. Press down thoroughly with clean fingers. Lay face down on surface and begin gluing strips in a clockwise direction. Coat 2 or 3 strips at a time and fold each one up and over the edge of the lid. Continue until all the strips are glued.

3. Turn lid over so pattern is facing up. Coat with Mod Podge to seal. Let dry and then screw onto jars.

Instructions for pencils

1. Cut a strip of paper that is 1″ by the length of your pencil before it’s sharpened. My pencils were 7″ long. Brush Mod Podge on the strip of paper. Lay pencil on one edge of paper, and then with clean fingers smooth down by rotating the pencil. You can roll on a flat surface to make sure paper is adhered. Brush a little Mod Podge under edge of paper if needed. Let dry 1/2 hour before sharpening pencils. Try all different patterns for these, they look great when displayed together.

This has me wondering if I can steal some time away from my beloved Rustoleum to get into the Mod Podge! Because I really want to make those pencils, and then Jessica won my heart with the light switch cover comment ;-)

I’m a total novice here–what sort of bleach solution do I use? Do I just fill up the inside of the jars and let them sit for a few hours (or more?)? Is it then safe to fill the jars with cookies/candy? Thanks for bearing with my baby questions : )

I think it will work fine as far as durablity, ability to screw lid, sharpen pencils as long as the paper you use isn’t super thick and you make sure the paper smooths over every ridge and every inch is sealed modge podge. the paper should fit like a pair tight spandex shorts.

For those of you who don’t have modge podge, I use something called matte varnish by liquitex. This should produce a similar result – a non glossy permanent solution that protects the surface. You can find it at any craft store where the acrylic paints are sold.
Happy Crafting! This looks like a fun back-to-school project!

For smells in glass jars: vanilla is a natural deodorizer, so just swish a little vanilla extract with a little water in the jar and the smell disappears, plus it’s safe for food afterwards. I got this hint from Cosmopolitan magazine many many years ago, if you can believe it, and use it for glass or plastic containers. Quick and easy!!

I’m definitely using the pencil idea for my wedding; we have little notes for guests to fill out with advice and well-wishes and this is a perfect way for the pencils to be cute and functional! I might even try it on some pens too, just to see how it looks.
I love this site so much, you guys are amazing!

I love this idea for the pencils – so cute and so many possibilities! I plan on making these for a baby shower, but when I have tried a few practice pencils, I find that the paper tears when I sharpen the pencils. Any suggestions or advice about how to fix this is muchly appreciated!

I did the pencil project, and it worked beautifully. I didn’t even need scrapbook paper – I just printed some digital scrapbook designs on regular computer paper. I also added mod podge after to seal everything and protect the paper. They’re super cute! Thanks for sharing this!

Hi! This is yet another way I can use the baby food jars we have left over from my grandson’s 1st birthday party, we saved so many of them, LOL! I also love the pencil wrapping! Cool and nifty ideas! I posted this on my blog with a link back here. Thanks!

This is great! Thanks for the inspiration and great instructions. By the way, where did you get your round pencils? I’m looking for a bulk supply in 2B and can only find HBs. Anyone got any suggestions? Thanks again!!

The greatest little jars for this project can be found at CVS Pharmacy(I live in Florida) in the store they sell cute little jars of gala apples, peaches,and mixed fruit for just $1. The fruit is yummy, but I really love the jars! I’ve been using them for scrapbook and craft supplies. They’re round jars with a nice flat area in front (great for labels) . I hope you have a CVS! An apple a day is great, but a cute jar is a bonus!

So fantastic! As soon as i get to try this I will blog it and put a link back to this post, I’m excited! Thanks for the ideas!
Keep an eye out for your shout out! HoneybeeBoutiqueAndBlog.blogspot.com
<3 Melissa

THIS is genius!! Those lids look like they were store bought that way! I hope it’s okay, I just couldn’t help but feature your pretty covered lids on my blog post today along with some other Mod Podge crafts.. You can see it here:

They are so cute!! Such a brilliant way of recycling wrapping paper and spending some fun quality time with my daughter! We do a lot of professional recycling of all sorts of materials for our work and try and live in an eco-friendly way, but sometimes it’s easy not to see simple little things, like using scrap paper to decorate things. Thanks! :)

Can you then use the lid for making jam? I too love those cute fruit jars and have been recycling them with cooked jam. Been looking for a way to cover the lids. Think this would be safe? Also, I didn’t see a response about what woukd happen if the lid was wet/washed. So hope it will work. If not, any ideas? Cover with fabric??

http://rubysunshinecreations.blogspot.com/
I just wanted to say Thanks for idea on this and to let you know I have a post coming called Winter Jar I linked your blog with this for my people to see were I got the help! Thanks again! Happy Holidays!

This is the perfect DIY Christmas gifts I waa looking for, I want to teach my kids that giving is better than receiving, I am gonna have them start making these and give them to teacher’s, mom’s on the softball team, and to the church. Thank you for the great idea. Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season

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